"tes-TEA-mony"

Walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. (Colossians 1:10, NASB)

Walking worthy? Does your walk match your talk? Many people can easily and eloquently articulate their testimony, quoting scripture at every comma.  But....is it real or...just empty God talk?
Could others discredit your words by seeing the discrepancies in your life.
A tes-TEA-mony of a God-filled life speaks volumes. A changed life. Without self-exalting words.
Changed lives reach out in relationship. Lives that find their significance in the Lord are willing to pour into the lives of others. The fruit which they have cultivated in their own lives, (love joy, peace, patience, kindness....Galatians 5:22) is cultivated in loving ministry of service to others. All of this pleases God.
A cuppa sincere tes-TEA-mony can affirm, challenge, encourage and change lives. Celebrities, with media-hype, gather crowds and promote their views.....but, what people really want is to hear from someone whose words and life speak to the core of their being and touch their heart with truth.

Pour out to others. Let them see the Lord in your life

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ. (Philippians 1:27, ESV)
A lifestyle which promotes God, not self, is such a "manner of life." A worthy tes-TEA-mony.

"Generosi-TEA"

See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are. (1 John 1:9, NASB)

God is certainly a bestower of gifts to His children. A loving and generous God. 

Over the past 5 months I have been a recipient of a full measure of that generosity. For a season I was served cup upon cup of generosi-TEA through a God-given friendship. Claudia and Terry's neighbor, Julie.

Julie who brought light and hope and fun into the lives of both Claudia and me, especially during Claudia's last few months. She added "sparkle" in  the dark spots of the struggle. She was part of my tag team in Claudia's care. We laughed. Talked. Shared. Cried. She understood.
Just as the Lord generously blessed both Claudia and me through Julie, Julie also generously gave of herself. In time, relationship and care, Julie gave a much needed energy to those difficult days.

The three of us realized that the placement of each of us in one another's lives added real understanding of rule #1 in Robert Morgan's, Red Sea Rules. "Realize that God means for you to be where you are." Right where you are. Right at this time.

Now that season of relational proximity is over. The moving van arrived today.

Julie's job has her relocating to a new time zone, almost 900 miles away. The friendship and sisterhood will last, but the ease of personal connection will be more difficult. 

My heart is sad. Yet, how grateful I am for the Lord's generosi-TEA in having our paths cross "for such a time as this."

"TEA-ology"

The whole Bible was given to us by inspiration from God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives; it straightens us out and helps us do what is right. (2 Timothy 3:16,CEV)

My play on "tea" words is just a technique to give this old lady something to hang her "memory hat" on, as recall seems to be getting harder each year. But, in no way is it to diminish the truth and authority of God's word. My tea-ology is all about the One who is the authority in my life.

Authori-TEA is the first cuppa one needs to be served when seeking truth. The Bible is the authoritative word of God. Solid understanding of spiritual authority is vital to building one's faith.

These days we live in a culture of "nothority." No one wants to be told how to live. There is no right and wrong in our culture----only shades of gray. Why would one listen to a "do what's right" lecture when, in his view, he's not doing anything wrong.

"A time of half-truths and hidden agendas. (Michele Phoenix.com, 12/30/13) Not my cup of tea.

As I savor His word during my "Tea With Thee" time, may I strengthen my brew by continually adding more of His truth to my cuppa tea-ology.

"Guil-TEA" : a second cuppa

"I am too ashamed and disgraced, my God, to lift up my face to you, because our (my) sins are higher than our heads and our (my) guilt has reached to the heavens. (Ezra 9:6, NIV)

Have you ever felt as Ezra did? 

He fell on his knees and tore his clothes as in humiliation and embarrassment as he called out to the Lord in confession.

I often take to long to get to that point of confession. 

Today's devotional reading at kitchen table NOT my prayer chair. Guilty!

Kitchen sink prayers, hurried no less. Guilty!

No thoughts of confession until I started this blog entry. 

I tend to harbor my guilt in the deep, dark recesses of my mind where they can bubble up, at will. Hanging on to my guilt: Every wrong path taken. Every angry word spoken. every bad attitude.

"I wear guilt well," I often say. Shame on me---that should not be a boast.

I need to "check that guilt" at the door of my mind. Not returning to reclaim it. 

I need to no longer drink from that cuppa. Rather, pour down the drain any guil-TEA that is a bitter dreg in my life----serving it up to Him in confession instead.

Twis-TEA---Curvy paths

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. (Proverbs 3:5-6, NIV)

Twis-TEA---Turvy paths----life is full of them as today's Jesus Calling entry reminded me. But God....is there.....if we "dare to walk on the high road with Him. The low road is circuitous: twisting and turning in agonizing knots." Trust is the direct route to the Lord; the straight path to heaven. 

Before you go out to face your day, choose to sit with a cuppa and your trusty (trus-TEA) Friend. Then, watch as this trustworthy One will straighten those twis-TEA-Curvy paths....even if you're walking them in mid-matched shoes.

NOT a staged picture.
Just the result of a twisty-turvy, distracted mind going to appt with Dr. H.
& not even noticing, until sitting in the office. Hey, at least both are black!

SABBATH SNAPSHOT: Readabili-TEA

Max Lucado is a best-selling author amassing  over 80 million books sold. Why? Readabili-TEA! He is the king of readability. Not shallow books but books that can be easily read and understood and yet still linger in our minds. Worthy of pondering for life applications.

Friend Charlotte recently recommended Traveling Light, an "old" (2001) Lucado book. She knew I was knee- deep in lesson prep on three of the Psalms, one of which is Psalm 23.
As I often do with a new work of non-fiction, I read the conclusion or author's notes first. (I could blog for a week on those gems.) Then, I scan the table of contents and often turn right to a chapter.....one I "need," one I am "drawn to" or one that just "catches my eye." This perusal was no different, though eventually I got around to reading chapter one which offered this wisdom.

• For the sake of those you love, travel light. 
• For the sake of  the God you love, travel light.
• For the sake of your own joy, travel light.

Those nuggets alone had me thinking, on a personal level, all week.
Hubby and I have different traveling styles. When we physically travel, especially by air, he packs lots of bags---at least in the days of "free" checked bags. He also is more likely to pack last minute. I, on the other hand, decide my "light" wardrobe, make a packing list and check off items as I put them in the suitcase. Of course, if I'm missing something, I've learned that he probably has it stuffed somewhere in his bag.
With hubby as a travel companion, I can leave my luggage unattended, knowing that he won't fill it with an explosive, as the airport seems to constantly announce. He pulls my rollerboard, when I tire out. He stows my carry-on in those overhead bins so that they don't shift during the flight and fall out injuring me or others. At baggage claim he's good at identifying my bag and grabbing it off the carousel. Even with his bags, he almost always ends up carrying LOTS of my baggage.
But......when it comes to emotional baggage, he travels light whereas my mind is too often filled to capacity. This baggage can't be carried by hubby-----or others, it's all mine. I need to put it down, setting it at the foot of the cross and allowing the Lord to lay claim to it on my behalf.

The sub-title says it all.
Releasing the Burdens You were Never Meant to Bear. The Promise of Psalm 23.

As Lucado put it....."the bags we gather are not made of leather; they're made of burdens. The suitcase of guilt. The trunk of discontent. A backpack of anxiety and a hanging bag of grief. Add on a briefcase of perfectionism, an overnight bag of loneliness and a duffel bag of fear. No wonder we're so tired at the end of the day."
What's your chapter of choice? There's "Readabili-TEA" at its best in each one.

Tea with Thee: A Re-Brew

In the morning, O LORD, You will hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch. (Psalm 5:3, NASB)

March 2, 2010, I blogged "Tea With Thee," not knowing that almost two years later, I would begin to concentrate my blogging on that theme. My first entry had me answering a reader's question by sharing my choices of tea for a good cuppa. Yet, I also included the importance of time with the Lord each day---especially, in the morning.

All of that is still true....but what I had omitted was the joy of the morning time in prayer with Him. Not only the joy of the  moment but also the joyful expectation of waiting and eagerly watching to see His hand in my life throughout the day. Daily "Tea With Thee" is foundational for that renewed focus.

Also, I neglected to list PG Tips as my "tea of choice," when I'm using a teabag or sachet. I don't know what PG stands for but I can give you a Pretty Good Tip---starting your day with the Lord, whenever possible, will give you eyes to see His hand in every area of your life and that's a cuppa worth a re-brew!

guil-TEA

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1, KJV)

I'm already sipping from that guilt cuppa as I realize my lack of planning has meant I can not post a complete blog entry in a timely manner.

However, I don't plan on drinking the entire cuppa because hubby and I are going to a dinner for our dear friend, Katherine, who is visiting from Atlanta. Such a visit is certainly nothing to feel guilty about. Maybe we'll all have a sip of gaie-TEA when we get together.

Original entry will be served as a second cuppa at a later date. Though a cuppa guil-TEA has enough "bite" on its on, I can only imagine how bitter a re-brew will be.

opportuni-TEA

So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith. (Galatians 6:10, NASB)

Today is "National Pie Day," according to yesterday's Commercial Appeal. This year the designated day, January 23, falls on a Thursday. That info certainly jogged my memory of a by-gone era. 

At our house 31 years ago, when daughter Molly was 3 yrs. old, we designated Thursdays as "our" pie day. Flexible hours, while teaching at the University during that time, worked well with our endeavor. Together we rolled & pinched pie dough, added various fillings and then delivered them to neighbors, newcomers, and folks who could use a lift, as well as Sunday School and Bible Study teachers.

One week our recipient was Molly's Community Bible Study Children's leader, "Miss" Pam. We, with people from all over the Memphis community, met at 2nd Pres. to hear the teaching of God's Word from Katherine Phillips. So.....not knowing where "Miss" Pam lived, Molly just took the pie to her at CBS.

Year's later, a board member of the Neighborhood School purchased one of Molly's village paintings from her "Contemporary Folk Art for the Soul" series for the inner city Christian school. Hanging the picture at the school Molly, the artist, & "Miss Pam," the board member, made the connection of baker and recipient----of a pie almost 30 years earlier. A blessing "unknowingly" reciprocated. 

My cuppa today is filled with opportuni-TEA to pour out a blessing to another in the household of faith. 

I think I'll bake a pie!

I did----HHS' Debbie J's famous Pecan Pie

brevi-TEA

God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. (Ecclesiastes 5:2)

Much time was spent this morning in God's Word. So much so, that when my phone rang at 12:20, I had to admit I was still in my gown-tail. (a Mama Davenport term) 

Yet, not one blog thought had been given. Not even a "tea" word. Was this the blog door closing? 

Verbose. Had I been writing too much? My desire has been to write in a "pithy with a punch" way? Were my own words overshadowing His truths?

Driving home from Bible Study tonight, I prayed, "Lord if you want me to blog today, please give me the words. So......here they are.

• Serve a cuppa brevi-TEA.
• Pare it down and pour it out. 
• Take truths from today's study & summarize.

There's a stark contrast between the godly who delight in God's Word and the ungodly who scoff at God. (Psalm 1) 

• God's Word: Delight. Meditate. Follow.

God reveals Himself in nature and His Word as we "look" for Him. (Psalm 19) 

• Look for God daily.

God's truths give completeness and purpose to life while wickedness centers on self without purpose. (Psalm 37) 

• "Fret not!"

Pouring out only a 1/2 cuppa of all I learned today. 

• 

Just enough. Sometimes brevi-TEA is best. 

Dispari-TEA

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good (Genesis 50:20, NIV)

Often our life journeys don't take us where we think we're headed. That was certainly true in Joseph's life when  his own brothers threw him in a wilderness pit and later sold him.
In our own lives we can be shocked and think, "This is not the movie I bought my ticket for." Terminal illness. An unfaithful spouse. Chronic pain. An addicted child. What good can come from this? Where are God's blessings for my life?

If one has lived a moral life of serving God and others, he/she can mistakenly assume that such behavior will protect him/her from calamity.

Tragedy seems inconsistent with godliness. Seemingly, there's such disparity.

It's easy to take verses of scripture that seem to honor wise living and overlook the parts that follow.
"....in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation."(John 16:33, NIV) Christians are not exempt from tribulation----those hard parts of life. We just have to trust God and keep reading....and understand that when God says "Take heart....." or "Wait,"He is there in the midst with us.

"There's a difference between reading a map and traveling the road---as distinct as the disparity between reading a menu and and eating a meal." (Miles to Go, p.5)

In a life well-lived, one can still be served some inconsistencies of adversity and affliction----But God....is in those intersections of dispari-TEAs.

Life is a continuous journey. Continue to live it well. And......If along the way, life serves you a big cuppa dispari-TEA, just sweeten it with God's grace.

Then...leave that cuppa in His hands.

Tranquili-TEA: A calm cuppa

Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace at all time in every way.
(2 Thessalonians 3:16, NIV)

But what do we do with the peace that the Lord provides? Do we even slow down long enough to recognize it for what it is? Do we let the world bombard us with its messages so that God's word is obscured?

J & MJ, our "couple friends" have chosen to limit use of their devices and to disconnect completely from television. NO TV. Highly educated, fun-lovin', caring, NORMAL folks choosing to pull the plug on media influence and its overwhelming interruptions. (For skeptics, there's no live streaming at their house either.) My hubby can't even begin to imagine a "NO Sports" life.

Such a deliberate decision would at least give a person control over one aspect of the world's influence in his/her life. Just having the TV "on" can draw someone in. Certainly a TV program can blindside anyone---planting a word, idea or picture that can be difficult to get off one's mind. 

 TV ads can influence a person's actions. This is no surprise when one considers that a 2014 Super Bowl commercial is $5m for a 30 second spot or a heftier $10m for a 60 sec spot. A captive audience for their product is pricey. I admit to watching the ads as much, if not more, than the game but I don't tend to retain enough info to warrant companies opting to pay that kind of money.

I love having "NO TV" friends. They inspire me to choose"peace and tranquility." Friends who have chosen to decide what controls, not only their minds but also their time. Living "out" from our city limits in a 100+ yr. old home, filled with overflowing book shelves, Bibles on side tables and a wrap around porch, offers positive options. 

Result = Peace. Tranquility in living. 

This morning, with the TV off and no extraneous noise,  I picked the tea I wanted to "brew."
 It added to the tranquilty of my "Tea With Thee" time. 

J & MJ understand that they get to pick what they "brew" in their minds. 

Cuppa of choice---tranquili-TEA. 

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS : LITEA

1/19/14 

"Litea." A Hungarian word. Teaching English as a Second language for a couple of weeks for CRM had me in Budapest the summer of 1997. That's where I first encountered the word, litea. It was a sign outside a store on the Buda side of Budapest. (Castle District area, as I recall.) 

Exterior inviting. Sign intriguing. Translation not fully understood. But...for one who loves both literature and tea, the suggestion was a "draw."

Inside, it was like a reader's den offering tea. Book browsing with cuppa in hand. Tökéletes! (Perfect)

It also had me with a "good book" in hand. A work of fiction. View from Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg.

Since Sundays seem to gravitate toward "tea" book reviews these days, I decided to share that YA book, that can be enjoyed & greatly appreciated by adults. It was the Newbery winner for that year, 1997.

Water color of "Litea" purchased Budapest, Hungary, 1997
Note---Litea orange sign bottom left corner.

REVIEW: Memorable, but shunned by peers, the characters become the "unlikely" sixth-grade interscholastic quiz bowl team, coached by a paraplegic teacher, Mrs. Olinski. Handicapped in not only body but also in spirit. 

It's been years since I've read it but  2 things still remembered are: their tea party, where they saw life and their own potential from a new perspective; and the metaphor Konigsburg used to highlight their new standing at school, as as they passed students in the hall who lifted their arms giving them a thumbs up---"the hallway "looked like a forest of apostrophes."  

Something else that resonated with e-me-- the final words when Mrs. O asks, "Did I choose you or did you choose me? The kids answered, Yes!" 

Sometimes I feel like that might be the Lord's answer to me when I ask Him the same question.

SATURDAY RE-BREWS: TEAch-able

1/18/14 Weekends are times for wandering.....so for a season, the Saturday blogs will be a re-brew. A Re-write. I hope to re-write some blogs from the last 5 years. More concise. More focused and in the same format.

TEAch-able will be the first cuppa.

But the Comforter, even the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all that I said unto you. (John 14:26, ASV)

Re-reading my 2/28/09 blog entry today, had me asking myself, "How teachable am I in 2014?" 

"Why do I seem to continue to need re-teaching, especially in the area of trust?" Remedial trust classes?" Or.....maybe be sent to "time-out" to see if "being still" can make a difference in my recall of God's word and all He has done in my past to prove His faithfulness.

In 2009, my classroom was a cancer diagnosis with a grim prognosis. An initial surgery could last 18-22 hours. Possibility of 8-10 surgeries spanning over a year. A good chance of losing my gums and having to rebuild my sinus cavity with titanium. Such a medical foreboding had my listening ears perked. I desired to "hear" more from the Lord, knowing that though "he slay me," as Job said, I was ready to praise HIm.
Suffering can bring one into a TEAch-able position---prostrate before the Lord.

Psalm 23 is a psalm of trust and confidence in the God for not only the moment but for all one's future moments as well. Psalms---a good place to go for re-teaching IF one has a TEAch-able spirit.

"Flexibili-TEA"

The mind of man plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps. 
(Proverbs 16:9, NASB)

NOTHING ----went as planned. Make that, as I planned. 

Schedules didn’t pan out to meet sweet Katya from Ukraine. Mixed signals had a lunch date postponed. Dinner downtime was a wash out. Traffic jam---of course.  One can’t leave east Memphis after 5pm and expect to arrive downtown for a pre-show dinner, when the event starts at 7pm. Green Beetle didn’t even have coconut cake available AND oreo was certainly not a choice I would consider.

Needed: A BIG cuppa flexibili-TEA. 

I, too easily, can get bent out of shape, almost to the point of breaking, when “my” goals and plans are blocked.

But God......The evening ended in “Singing His Praises” at the Orpheum with my African -American brothers and sisters, who can really “belt out” the gospel through their “spirituals!”

How sweet a cuppa  of flexibilTEA, served with song of LOUDEST praise!

"Tea"-fixes

   And there arose a great storm of wind. (Mark 4:37, KJV)

Some storms come up like great winds and blow us over. Others in the tornadic range crush us.

Storms of life were last night's H2H small group discussion. Storms that break us, if only for a season. Loss of a child or parent. Unfaithful husband. A friend who can no longer be trusted. Home invasion. Terminal diagnosis. 

Dis-may. Dis-loyalty.  Dis-honesty. Dis-ruption. Dis-appointment. Dis-ability.

Diss has been the verb of choice for teenagers in recent years---often used with a VERY negative tone and volume. I have never used it as a verb, seeing it only as a pre-fix. Recently I came to see the power of that trio of letters. That pre-fix can quickly change words in our language just as storms can quickly change our lives. I propose a "tea"-fix for those storms that "break" us or at least change our at-TEA-tude in the midst of them.

Dis-card the dregs and brew a better tea with a new perspective. Dis-appointment can remind us to keep our "early" appointment with the Lord. Allow God to show you that you are able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we can imagine (Ephesians 3:20) so the disability can become an abili-TEA, when empowered with His strength. Even an honest look at one's own sin might enable us to be more forgiving of another.

Acceptabili-TEA of the new norm in our life, brought on by the storm, might be the re-brew for that disruption of life. Life as we knew it before the breach.

A new cuppa. a A re-brew. A "tea"-fix.

familiari-TEA

...whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this? (John 11:26, NIV)

Driving to Jones Clinic this morning to deliver some cookies, my mind started spinning. A knot in my stomach began to tighten. The cookies were a simple thank you to those who had been so caring to my friend Claudia for the last  2+ years.

Yet, this was the first time I had been to the clinic since her death 6 weeks ago. Re-entry fear was real. I had never been in the chemo room without her. Would it hold bad memories for me? Would I have an old-fashioned "come apart?"

Instead, I was overwhelmed by the contentment I experienced as I saw the familiar IV poles, big computers, disposable products and trays, the basket of handmade quilts and blankets. Even the Bigelow "tea" station.

My original fear took a back seat to the welcoming familiar smiles of the in-take staff, the lab techs, the nurses, pharmacist and the social worker. Patients filled the recliners. Many were sleeping peacefully as their latest chemotherapy protocol dripped into their veins----a very familiar scene. All still with hope for remission. No finali-TEA for them---not yet. They still have hope for a better tomorrow, this side of heaven. It was Claudia's chair that was unfilled. It's emptiness brought a catch in my throat.

But God....took over in my thoughts. Acceptance of that empty chair came with the reminder that Claudia knew her final destination. How often she reminded me and many at Jones Clinic the truth of John 11:26.

The familiarit-TEA of her voice, with her words of trust, brought the real comfort.
Familiari-TEA such a comfort cuppa.

visibili-TEA

This is why I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand......But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear. (Matthew 13: 13 & 16, NASB)

What does it take for one to see clearly?  For me, it's a prescription for bifocals. But even with my spectacles, there are times, especially when reading, that extra light is needed for me to truly see.

Beyond physical sight there is also spiritual "seeing." In a world of opaqueness, there no longer seems to be clear lines when it comes to truth and morality. Our minds are blurred with cultural myths. Not easy to see through the teachings of the media. Our visibility and understanding are skewed.

 More "light" is required. Jesus realized that as He taught both His disciples and the multitudes. The "light" of understanding was needed to see truth and nurture a heart of understanding. Why couldn't they see? Why did the One who is the "Light" have to tell stories? Illumination was required. Spiritual illumination. 

True visibili-TEA comes from eyes and heart opened by the Spirit of the Lord. 

I can see clearly now as I sip from the cuppa of visibili-TEA with my Bible open to the parables in Matthew 13.

sereni-TEA

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. (Isaiah 26:3, ESV)

A 1956 Clairol Ad slogan, “Only your hairdresser knows for sure,” rang true as my stylist asked, “Dotsy, are you lingering?” 

What was her clue? My words? My countenance?

Lingering? “Am I?” I asked myself repeatedly over the weekend. Does my schedule allow for times to linger? With the Lord? With family? With friends?

A dictionary search revealed a synonym for linger. Remain. When I remain, physically in my prayer chair as I commune with Him, I can then “remain” spiritually with Him throughout the day.

My mind settles on Him, stays on Him and remains focused on Him. The ensuing result is peace.

Peace synonymous with serenity.

Sereni-TEA. A perfect cuppa as I chose to linger during my “Tea with Thee” time today.

SABBATH SNAPSHOTS: reali-TEA

1/12/14 Reality TV----not for me, unless Sing-Off, a singing competition featuring a cappella groups, falls under that genre. Yet, realistic fiction is a favorable cuppa of reali-TEA for me. Not hokey, not always with those happy endings.....BUT believable and well written.

One of my last year's favorites in that genre was R. J. Palacio's Wonder, a refreshing narrative about a 5th grade boy with a facial deformity. It's real and it's "worth the read!!" 

This year, another realistic fiction fave, also found on the YA shelf, is Vince Vawter's Paperboy, another worthy read.** Possibly the locale and time, especially familiar to baby boomers, of mid-town Memphis, who grew up watching Howdy Doody, humming Elvis tunes and going to the Mid-South Fair, is what added to the appeal.  My era, but not my locale, so my "draw" to the story was Vawter's use of "words;" unspoken, misused, stammered and revealing, as all were woven into the crux of the story.

Here are a few of Paperboy's reali-TEA gems: 

• I'm typing about the stabbing for good reason. I can't talk. (p.1)
• Mr. Spiro moved his mouth....what came out was strange....like if you turned on the kitchen faucet to get a drink of water and sweet lemonade came out instead. (p.63)
• "You can't replace one hurt with another. You just get double hurts. (p. 92) 
• "....felt so small....could be blown away by slightest puff of wind....But you don't have to worry about any kind of breeze showing up on a late July afternoon in Memphis." (p. 166)
• "Words in the air blow away as soon as you say them but words on paper last forever." (p.221)
• "One of the hardest things in life is having words in your heart that you can't utter." (James Earl Jones, p. 223)

A great book to savor with a cuppa The reali-TEA of such is that there is no such thing as a good book that's written just for young people---if it's well-written then it will appeal to everyone. Paperboy is just such a book.

**Later in January, Paperboy won a 2014 Newbery Honor and in April was selected by the American Library Association's Top 10 Historical Fiction for Youth!

"tea-lightful"

May you see your children's children! (Psalm 128:6, ESV)

Not only living to see my grandchildren but spending uninterrupted time with them, especially one at a time, is a blessing. A treat beyond measure. A "grand" time to read stories, play a game and create. 

"Serving the birds" idea had us creating a pinecone wreath bird feeder. Slathering peanut butter on the cones and rolling them in seed and thistle to attract the birds was great fun. BUT....a pesky squirrel made short work of disassembling and devouring our creation......as the birds only looked on. In his defense, he does lay clam to all pinecones in our yard, so I should have known better.

Time with a grandson is as "tea-lightful" as a warm cuppa on a cold January day, even when activities take an unexpected turn.

gra-TEA-tude

For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it is received with gratitude; for it is sanctified by means of the word of God and prayer (I Timothy 4:4-5, NASB)

During a season of discontent, many offers for relief are offered. Even this week, news articles have been written in the morning paper on remedies, for this pattern of sadness and heaviness, that seems to occur this particular time of year.

Some things that come our way in life, regardless of the time of year, can seem anything but good. Yet, scripture reminds us, "in everything gives thanks." (1 Thessalonians 5:18) 

That "prescription" from God's word is more that just a platitude. It's a directive. So, how does one give thanks when he/she doesn't feel thankful. 

Year's ago I read that changing one's focus was a beginning for the cultivation of a thankful heart.  Look for the positive. My "tangible" response to that suggestion was a listing of things I was thankful for---a Blessing Book. A small start with a big result.

Needing a repast of thankfulness, I reread from that book as I spent time with the Lord and sipped my cuppa of gra-TEA-tude. A cuppa that I hope will overflow with a big result.

authentici-TEA

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8, NASB) 

"Tea is a balm for the soul, don't you agree?" Mrs. P. L. Travers (Emma Thompson) asked Walt Disney (Tom Hanks) on the Malco big screen where "Saving Mr. Banks" was showing.

Mr. Disney accepted the tea and the sentiment BUT he understood beyond that. He saw Mrs.Travers, whom he insisted on calling by her given name, for who she was. He also sought to help her not only see her true self, but to accept it as well. 

Accepting one another, warts and all, is authentici-TEA in relationships.

The Lord models that. He genuinely loves us and accepts us. He provides forgiveness as the balm we need. 

The old African-American spiritual,"There is a Balm in Gilead," says it well.

There is a balm in Gilead

To make the wounded whole;

There is a balm in Gilead 

To heal the sin sick soul.

 Accepting each other and sharing our own cuppa of authentici-TEA, is a good basis for a genuine relationship. It might even provide a balm for one who is hurting.

Tea Choice: uncertain-TEA? certain-TEA?

The Lord will fulfill His purpose for me: Your steadfast love, O Lord endures forever; Do not forsake the work of Your hands. (Psalm 138:8, ESV)

Uncertainty! Isn't that what life is full of? These days uncertainty seems to be the status quo. Many folks "sip" it daily. Sips might be the norm, but continuous gulping of uncertain-TEA can result in fear. One needs to remember the Lord and His faithfulness. One needs to be careful.......not sinking into a fear-induced despair.
Recently I have tried to "manage" the blows of life with a "bootstrap" mentality.
Pulling self up......Getting a grip.......Rather than fully relying on the Lord and His Word.

As the psalmist called upon the Lord, I should also cry out to Him and await His answer, allowing Him to increase the strength of my soul. (138:3) Then, I, too, can wait in an expectation of certainty as the Lord fulfills His purpose for me.

Certain-TEA, a tea sweetened by His love, to be savored with HIm.

weigh-TEA

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2, KJV)

Bogged down for several weeks with some disturbing feelings, thoughts, and possible decisions that seemed to weighty for me, I finally asked for help. Help in the form of prayers from the household of faith. God's people. Some things need to be shared.

There are some "teas" that need to be brewed with the Lord's help---- "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28) and then poured out to others.

"Come along inside and we'll see if tea and buns can make the world a better place." (Wind in the Willows)

Weigh-TEA-----should be a "tea for two." 

Vitali-TEA

I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10B, NASB)

Words from Ally, a waitress, jumped off the pages of The Walk as I read it in the early morning hours.
"I meet dead people every day." Her lunch counter philosophy gave me pause as she equated dead people with those breathing people who have just given up on life. "That's all death requires of us, to give up living." (Evans, p.127) How does one get back the zip and zest for living that vitality brings into  his/her life?

Abundant life of vitality comes from union with Him.

Time with the Lord in His Word and in prayer gives needed vitality to life.

Sippin' vitali-TEA with Bible open on my lap and heart open in prayerful communion.
Perfect combo for "Tea with Thee."

SABBATH SNAPSHOT: Liberali-TEA

1/5/14 Allowing for a little poetic license, I am expressing thanks to "trusted" friends who practice liberality in giving freely to my reading life. "Word of mouth"book reviews from such friends are the best gifts for me.

It's the way I discovered Beth's recommended author, Charles Martin. The Mountain Between Us was my first "audio" read and probably my favorite. However his most recent, Unwritten, is one of his "best yet" as well. Of course, that could be because it's the one I've most recently read. "Best yet" term has been coined by my friend, Lo, as relating to the most recent event or experience in one's life. A term easily used with books.

These  friends of "liberality"give recommendations for books and sometimes loans from their own collection, i.e. The Last Jihad, series which I'm still reading. How I love for someone to share an"old to them, new to me," series. Well told stories, in a sequence, that allow one to get to know the characters and the locale. Even if not deemed necessary, I like to start with the first one.

That's what I plan to do on these next few days of possible hibernation. The Walk series, a WH rec, will be opened and savored as I sip my tea & read throughout these next snowy (?) cold days.

I've only read the prologue but I gave myself permission to leisurely continue when I read, " To me it's one man's journey to find hope." (Evans, p.3)

"Liberali-TEA!" A great cuppa to share with book lovin' friends!

at-TEA-tude

See, I am doing a new thing!  Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?  I am making a way in the WILDERNESS and streams in the wasteland.  (Isaiah 43:19, NIV)

Do you not see it? One can "altitude their attitude" by looking up. Seeing the Lord afresh by refocusing on Him. Reclaiming one's faith, by taking God at His word is an action of an upward attitude.

A fresh brew left the dregs of yesterday's anxi-TEA behind as I opened, Streams in the Desert (1/4) and read a quote from George Mueller. 

"The beginning of anxiety is the end of faith, and the beginning of true faith is the end of anxiety."


Regret looks back.
Worry looks here, there and yon.
Faith looks up.

A new at-TEA-tude as I savored time with Thee.

anxie-TEA

 "Fret not.........Fret not.......Fret not.." (Psalm 37: 1, 7, & 8, ESV)

Anxie-TEA. Not a tea to recommend. Certainly not a tea to sip and savor. Bitterness is left with every swallow. Dregs of regret, self-pity, frustration and fear are left sticking to one's insides. Why does one keep swallowing it?

What happens when one pours herself an anxious cuppa? 

Tea with Thee indicates the need to turn to the one on the throne of one's life. Is it Me? Or Thee? Decide. Then, turn inward to self and more fretting or upward to the One who offers peace.

Delight yourself in the Lord;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.
Commit your way to the Lord, Trust also in Him, and He will do it. (Psalm 37: 4-5)

Time for a re-brew. Choose a new cup. Fresh water and new tea leaves. Discard the dregs and bitter "over-brewed" remnants. 

Sip afresh and "fret not."

Possibili-TEA: a 2nd cup

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him. (Philippians 2:13, NLT)

Mulling the possibility of change of any kind, can have one second guessing every decision. When one is pondering a change concerning spiritual matters, second guessing seems to intensify. 
Desire to do God's work, God's way? Desire to edify believers and glorify the Lord? Desire to change?

The change must be His work. "...apart from me you can do nothing."(John 15:5) Apart from God, there is no good thing. (Psalm 16:2) "not adequate in ourselves but our adequacy is from God. He is at work in us." (2 Corinthians 3:5)

Those were my ponderings this morning over a cuppa of possibili-TEA, sipped and savored during my "Time with Thee."
The desire is there. Now the power will come.....if it pleases Him. 

What a thought!

What a possibili-TEA!

Possibili-TEA

Possibility is often about choice.

....fear the Lord and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness......choose this day whom you will serve,.... as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. (Joshua 24:14-15, ESV)

A possibilty, for.....this blog....this year, is to focus on devotional-type entries. Entries to be taken from life lessons as I experience them. One cup at a time.

Thus, "Tea with Thee" entries each week will focus on said experiences as I "see" them. Wordplay with "tea" will be added to emphasize the crux of the message---possibly aiding recall of key lessons. Sort of a grammatical aspect of homiletics (think, divergent spelling) to help one remember the preaching/teaching gleaned from time alone with the Lord and in His word.

Universal lessons with uniques applications. Devotionals with a "tea" theme based on seeing God at work in life. 

"Tea With Thee"----a real 2014 possibili-TEA. 

***FYI---January is National Hot Tea Month---a great time to start a tea blog, don't you think!